It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas.

If you’re a candle obsessive, you’re probably readying your seasonal stockpile of magical scents.

This year there’s another reason to pop a beautiful candle or two on your shopping list; they make a thoughtful pre-Christmas gift if Covid-19 will be keeping you apart from loved ones at the end of a very long 12 months.

These six luxury scents offer so much more than just a blast of sugary cinnamon; light one on a dark afternoon and prepare to be transported to Christmases past…

1. ‘Nollaig’ by Sómas Studio

While the name conjured up memories of Nativity scenes and carol singing with the school choir, this Cork-made candle is a grown-up take on an Irish Christmas; a crisp blend of pine, cedarwood, and musk, perfectly capturing the unmistakable notes of a fresh Christmas tree.

The ‘Nollaig’ candle is available from Sómas Studio (Small: €18, Large: €35) here. 

2. ‘Pomander’ by Emma’s So Naturals

Deliciously warming and uplifting, ‘Pomander’ is a new addition to the Emma’s range, all hand-poured in Ireland. A seasonal blend of cinnamon, clove and sweet orange pure essential oils, it’s inspired by a time-honoured festive custom where pomanders or ‘perfumed balls’ of fresh oranges, spiked with clove buds and adorned with ribbon and cinnamon sticks are traditionally hung to dry and naturally perfume the home.

‘Pomander’ is available in a Glass Tumbler Candle (€20.61) or a Tin Candle (€10.77) from emmas.ie. 

3. ‘Noble Myrrh’ by Cloon Keen

Noble Myrrh takes its name from the legendary resin that was caravanned on epic journeys across the ancient incense route from Ethiopia, Somalia, and southern Arabia to the Ancient Empires. Handmade in Galway, this intensely warm and comforting candle is artfully blended with a crackle of spicy cinnamon and cumin. Delicate threads of saffron are woven through a billowing oriental base of sandalwood, cedar leaf, patchouli, labdanum and vanilla.

The Noble Myrrh candle is €40 from Cloon Keen. 

4. ‘Spiced Quince’ by Helen James Considered

A recurring favourite, the Helen James Considered Spiced Quince Candle offers an impressive 55 hour burn time. Inspired by Helen’s favourite seasonal spices, this candle combines the scent of quince with nutmeg and clove to bring a flavour of festive cooking into your kitchen – even if you rarely turn on the oven.

The Helen James Considered ‘Spiced Quince’ candle is €9.84 from Dunnes Stores. 

5. ‘Gather’ by Clean Slate

The name of this glorious warm orange, clove and myrrh candle made us a bit weepy, given the current situation, but you can still evoke all the fuzzy feelings of a family gathering during lockdown by striking a match to the gorgeous ‘Gather’ candle by Clean Slate in Dublin.

The ‘Gather Candle’ is €19 and €38 from Clean Slate. 

6. ‘Cider and Tonka Bean’ by La Bougie

Created entirely by skilled perfumers in their West Cork chandlery, La Bougie’s custom blend of natural and mineral wax gives a slow, clean burn. “Formally Gousse de Vanille, an autumnal windfall apple is the hero note in this cosy winter scent.” says perfumer Lucy Hagerty. A hint of cinnamon completes this delicious blend.

The Cider and Tonka Bean candle is €25 from La Bougie.